Wetland I.D. Guide - Island County Government

11. Using Table 3 below, do a preliminary determination of the width of the buffer for a new Development Proposal.
Do so by considering its Wetland Type (from question 10), whether it has an outlet, and the assessment you
did using the Land Use Intensity Worksheet. If more than one letter (column headings) applies, select the one
resulting in the largest buffer.
table 3
Intensity level
(Intensity Worksheet)
Wetland outlet Wetland type category
(from question 10)
A B c d e
low Yes 40 ft 35 ft 30 ft 25 ft 20 ft
No 75 ft 50 ft 40 ft 35 ft 25 ft
Moderate Yes 90 ft 65 ft 55 ft 45 ft 30 ft
No 105 ft 90 ft 75 ft 60 ft 40 ft
high Yes 125 ft 110 ft 90 ft 65 ft 40 ft
No 175 ft 150 ft 125 ft 90 ft 50 ft
12. For Development Proposals on lots that are sloped between the proposed development and the wetland,
increase the buffer recommendation in Table 3 using the multipliers in Table 4. However, a buffer wider than
300 feet will not be required.
table 4
slope gradient Additional Buffer
Multiplier
5-14% 1.3
15-40% 1.4
>40% 1.5
Buffers may be decreased, averaged or increased based upon the buffer’s condition and ability to
perform its functions. the buffer as initially determined from the land Use Intensity and Wetland
Buffer Worksheets is subject to confirmation by the County.
If the wetland and/or buffer size leaves no room for the use of the property, there are options
available to make sure that the wetland can be protected and still make your land usable for uses
allowed under the zoning code. If this is your situation, please contact the Island county critical
Areas planner to discuss your options.
WBW:9